f the
tissues. But it is not essential that the body be exposed to the
freezing temperature or be frozen at all, in order that some harm may
result, for chilblains often follow when the temperature has not been
lower than 40 deg. F., or thereabouts.

The effect of cold is to contract the blood vessels, with the
production of numbness, pallor, and tingling of the skin. When the
cold no longer acts then the blood vessels dilate to more than their
usual and normal state, and more or less inflammation results. The
more sudden the return to warmth the greater the inflammatory sequel.

Chilblains represent the mildest morbid effect of cold on the body.
They exist as bluish-red swellings of the skin, usually on the feet or
hands, but may attack the nose or ears, and are attended by burning,
itching, and smarting. This condition is caused by dilatation of the
vessels following exposure to cold. It is more apt to happen in young,
anaemic women. Chilblains usually disappear during warm weather.
Scratching, friction, or the severity of the attack may lead to the
appearance of blisters and sores. In severe cases the fingers and toes
present a sausage-like appearance, owing to swelling.

=Treatment.=--Susceptible persons should wear thick, warm (not rough)
stockings and warm gloves. The chilled members must never be suddenly
warmed. Regular exercise and cold shower baths are good to strengthen
the circulation, but the feet and hands must be washed in warm water
only, and thoroughly dried. If sweating of these parts is a common
occurrence, starch or zinc oxide should be dusted on freely night and
morning. Cod-liver oil is an efficacious remedy in these cases; one
teaspoonful of Peter Moeller's pure oil three times daily after meals.
The affected parts are bathed twice daily in a solution of zinc
acetate (one dram to one pint of water), and followed by the
application, on soft linen or cotton, of zinc-oxide ointment
containing two per cent of carbolic acid. If this is not curative,
iodine ointment mixed with an equal quantity of lard may be tried.
Exposure to cold will immediately bring on a recurrence of the
trouble. If the affection of the feet is severe the patient must rest
in bed. If the parts become blistered and open sores appear, then the
same treatment as for burns is indicated. Wash with a weak solution
of corrosive sublimate (one tablet for surgical purposes in two quarts
of warm water) and apply an ointment of boric aci